Alachua County Students React to President's School Day Speech

Published September 8th, 2009

After several days of criticism and plenty of publicity, President Barack Obama addressed students in North Central Florida and across the country about the importance and value of their education. The speech streamed online and was also broadcast on television.

Alachua County Public Schools were encouraged by Superintendent Dan Boyd to show the speech. The final decision was given to teachers and parents could send a note if they didn't want their children to watch. Officials said only a small number of parents made the request.

"Everyone had a choice. No one was forced to do anything," said Buchholz High School teacher John Bailey. "I don't think anyone's being forced to believe anything and it's certainly a relevant current event."